Board Also Hires Environmental Director for SABAY
SEADRIFT, TX – The Board of Directors of the San Antonio Bay Foundation (SABAY) confirmed the appointment of Tommie Rhoad as the new executive director of the foundation. Concurrently, the directors also approved Stephanie Shelly to take on responsibilities as the foundation’s environmental director. The San Antonio Bay Foundation was organized by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority in July 2008 as a vehicle to protect and steward the resources of San Antonio Bay and its associated estuarine system.

Rhoad, who earned her bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Texas at San Antonio, will be responsible for the operation and management of all aspects of the San Antonio Bay Foundation under the direction of the Board of Directors.

“The San Antonio Bay Foundation will play an important role in building relationships and collaborative partnerships in an effort to educate the public about the needs and challenges associated with the bay area,” Rhoad said.

“With Tommie on board, the San Antonio Bay Foundation is ready to move forward on issues that are important to people who live along the bay and the Gulf coast area,” SABAY Board Secretary/Treasurer Todd Votteler, Ph.D., said. “She brings a wealth of experience in assessing needs and assisting communities,” he added.

Before signing on as executive director for the San Antonio Bay Foundation, Rhoad served as GBRA’s economic development manager for seven years. In that capacity, she assisted city, county and local agencies in determining area needs by developing business and tourism assessments, promoting partnerships and building consensus among interested parties. Rhoad was also the driving force behind the creation of the Gorge Preservation Society; an environmental organization dedicated to preserving the 110 million-year-old geological phenomena that was discovered after the flood of 2002 at Canyon Reservoir. This non-profit organization successfully brought together a diverse group of stakeholders and scientists by identifying common goals and interests.

Stephanie Shelly earned her bachelor of science degree in wildlife and fisheries science from Texas A&M and has a strong background in marine biology. In addition to her work with SABAY, she continues to serve as chief operator of GBRA’s Port Lavaca Water Treatment Plant (PLWTP) where she coordinates daily operations between GBRA and its municipal customers and ensures that the water produced at the PLWTP meets or exceeds the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. “Stephanie will be a great asset to the foundation in project development and implementation,” Rhoad said.

Both Rhoad and Shelly are avid outdoors women and look forward to incorporating their hobbies with their positions within the San Antonio Bay Foundation.

Latest reefing effort brings partners together to create near-shore reef fish habitat.

Coastal Conservation Association has announced plans for a $100,000 reef project off the Texas mid-coast, funded by CCA Texas, CCA National’s Building Conservation Habitat Program, Shimano and in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Artificial Reef Program. This latest step in CCA’s reefing program will bring valuable reef fish habitat and angling opportunities in the heart of the Texas coast at a time when it is needed most.

“In dealing with Gulf reef fish issues, working on advocacy issues alone is not enough,” said Robby Byers, executive director of CCA Texas. “Creating new, viable habitat is an equally important priority, and our membership is committed to putting significant structure in the water that will be a magnet for both fish and anglers. We are proud to be building a string of reefs along the coast, and proud to be working with corporate partners like Shimano and Shell to improve marine habitat and angling opportunities.”

“CCA does a first-rate job of initiating progressive efforts on behalf of people who fish in coastal regions,” said Phil Morlock, Director, Environmental Affairs, Shimano American Corp. “Thanks to CCA and Shell, this Texas reef project will provide great fishing opportunities for generations of anglers to enjoy and we are pleased to be a partner in this conservation effort.”

CCA’s habitat efforts combine both state chapter and national components of the organization. Last August, CCA Texas funded $50,000 for the expansion of the Vancouver Reef off Freeport, and has earmarked another $50,000 for a Port Mansfield reefing project in the fall. In December 2010, the CCA National Building Conservation Habitat Program announced a $1.5 million contribution from Shell Oil Company, with the first $250,000 going towards the Independence Island Reef in Louisiana’s Barataria Bay. The Building Conservation Habitat Program has contributed $60,000 to the Texas mid-coast reefing effort and is making plans for another reefing project in Alabama later this year.

“You have to go through a lot of hoops to get projects like these off the ground and into the water, but we are building real momentum with the habitat program. Tons of material are going into the water, and the pace is picking up,” said CCA National President Pat Murray. “When we get recreational anglers, private companies and state agencies all working together, we can accomplish great work.”

CCA is the largest marine resource conservation group of its kind in the nation. With almost 100,000 members in 17 state chapters, CCA has been active in state, national and international fisheries management issues since 1977. For more information visit the CCA Newsroom at www.JoinCCA.org.

Marcus Smith imitates his “Grumpy” frown, as pictured in this embroidered picture made by Grace Stone.

Since the 1960’s, Marcus “Grumpy” Smith has been donning his clown make-up (It takes four hours to apply.), putting on his big clown shoes (They cost as much as some custom made cowboy boots.),  and performing at the Shrine Circus and other events benefiting sick and injured children and the Shriners hospitals that treat them. “Some of the kids who are too ill or with severe burns, cannot smile,” says Grumpy, “but you can see the sparkle in their eyes.”

Marcus Smith as “Grumpy”

And that sparkle is what keeps him going. Even though some physical problems have slowed him down in the past few years, Marcus still manages to perform at the Shrine Circus and play bean bag baseball, jacks, paper dolls, and other games with the kids at the annual Children’s Day, which sees 1,200 to 1,500 attendees from the different hospitals.
During the circus, which is held in Rosenberg, he “works” out in the audience before the show and signs autographs in the coloring books that are given to the hospital patients and sold to other attendees. All funds raised are used to support the Shriners hospitals, including the Shriners Burns Hospital in Galveston, Scottish Rite Orthopedic Hospital in Dallas, and York Rite Mason Facility, which is dedicated to eye injuries and diseases.
Marcus explained that their are five types of Shrine clowns: White Face (aristocrat), Auguste (flesh colored), Happy Hobo, Character (nothing in the make-up and costume coordinates), and Tramp (never smiles or talks). And every clown has a name. As Grumpy the Tramp, Marcus has won first place in his division, five years running at the Texas Shrine Clown Convention.
You may not be aware that famous people throughout the years were Shriners Clowns. Marcus noted several: Harry Truman, Gene Autry, Red Skelton, Roy Rogers, Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas, Jack Benny, Douglas MacArthur, and perhaps the most famous clown, Emmett Kelley.
Marcus was very pleased to receive the framed embroidered likeness of “Grumpy” made by Grace Stone and presented to him at a recent Senior Citizen’s Luncheon in Port O’Connor.

It’s safe to say that the residents of Seadrift, Texas look forward to the Boy Scout Troop #106 Annual BBQ all year long! I had never attended the fundraiser, but I’ve heard about it from numerous people; everyone says the barbecue is superb! The idea to host a barbecue as a fundraiser was originated in 1974 by then Scoutmaster, Pete Hall and Assistant Scoutmaster, George Andrus. At that time, the Troop sold each plate at $2.00 and a cake went for as high as $11.00. George remembers that a man sitting next to him could not believe someone would buy a cake for $11.00! “At that first event we raised about $1,110. This annual event came to be how the Troop was financed,” said Andrus. “All of the money goes back to the boys, either directly or indirectly.” Over the last 37 years, the Troop has been able to remodel the Scout Hall which was originally built in 1951, pay for annual insurance, yearly maintenance, camp outings, meals and part of each Scout’s summer camp fees. The cost for one Scout to attend summer camp is almost $200.00. This year the Troop plans to go to Boy Scout Camp Karankawa in Mathis. They hope to pay for as much as $150.00 of each Scout’s fees with the money they raised at the barbecue.

Back row: Committee Chair - George Andrus; Joseph Mendez; Chris Vasquez; Marcus Carabajal; Joe Aguilar; Hunter Cady; Assistant Scout Master and Cub Master - Fred Mendez. Front row: Unit Commissioner - Ralph Belter; Caleb Aguilar; Felix Ruelas; Collin Carabajal; Fernie Mendez; Justice Cunningham; Joseph Mayorga; Scout Master - Patrick Henley.

Volunteers and Troop leaders worked the night prior and all day to prepare the barbecue dinner consisting of 850 lbs. of brisket, 80 lbs. of beans and other sides. They sold about 625 meal tickets, which is average. Andrus says that they have served as low as 600 and as many as 900 people. George, now Committee Chairman said, “Many people that help don’t have any kids in the Boy Scout troop; neither I, nor Ralph Belter, nor does Patrick Henley.” George moved to Seadrift in 1966 and taught at the school. As a school teacher, it helped him to involved in the local Scout troop as they shared many of the same interests. “The Scout Troop will be 70 years old in November of this year. It was started one month before Pearl Harbor,” he said. “I like to think of it like this; we take good boys and keep ‘em good.”
BBQ Fundraiser originator Pete Hall was Scoutmaster from 1974 to 1991. Patrick Henley, the current Scoutmaster, has served in that position since 1995. Fred Mendez is the Assistant Scoutmaster and was the lead in cooking the barbeque. “Fred stayed up all night barbecuing and he’s still here. Tanya Cady, whose son Hunter received his Eagle award in December,  was a great help in the kitchen along with members of the Seadrift Lions Club and Troop Committee member Mary Kay Belter,” District Committee member and Unit Commissioner, Ralph Belter said. “This receives tremendous support from our community. We begin planning this event two months in advance, but remember many of us have been doing this for over 30 years, so we have a system down.” Ralph was a Boy Scout for 11 plus years in his hometown of Wichita Falls, where he was an Eagle Scout.  He also volunteered in a troop in Washington D.C. area.
Towards the end of the evening, Fred Mendez was still helping run the show surrounded by several Scouts, plus bidding on various different desserts. Fred’s son, Joseph Christopher Mendez, was recently awarded the ranking of Eagle Scout on January 22 in Seadrift. Brother Fernie Mendez is also a Boy Scout and hopes to follow in his brother’s footsteps. It is easy to see the common bond all of these boys and men share alike: the great outdoors, leadership and fun.
There are 15 boys in Troop #106 today and 10 boys in the Cub Pack. Ages range from as young as 8 years old to 17. George reports that is an unusually low number for the Seadrift Troop #106. Recently the Scouts had a 2-night camp out at the Lane and participated in the Crab Trap Cleanup.
In my research I found on the Scouting.org site: Since 1910, Scouting has helped mold the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes and, through nearly a century of experience, understands that helping youth puts us on a path toward a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.
The fundraiser ended with the now famous, Cake Walk which had about 50 items ranging from cherry cheesecakes, biscotti, Italian crème cakes to crocheted animals and other crafts. As the bidding wars began, auctioneer, Mark Daigle started the bid off at $20. Several items went for quite a bit of money and I’m sure the gentleman from 1974 would not believe his ears. “I got 50, now I got 60… now looking for 80, I need 80…” boomed Marks voice. Several moments and bids passed; finally a punch bowl cake generously donated by Nan Burnett went for $170.00! Two hours later, the night came to a close as local businesses, non-profits and several individuals walked away with a number of mouth-watering sweets.
Special thanks to the entire town, businesses and volunteers from Boy Scout Troop #106. I hope to see you at next year’s barbecue; I’ll be the girl in the front, taking pictures and with chocolate all over her face. Till next time!

Justice Cunningham walks around enticing the crowd with one of the delicious treats that were donated by community members.

Grace Stone and daughter Susie Onishi display Grace’s latest quilt, a “Sunbonnet Sue”.

About ten years ago, Grace Stone went to the Shrine Circus. She was fascinated by the clowns and thought a quilt depicting the various clowns would be a great way to honor them.  A coloring book of the Shrine Circus clowns provided the template for the quilt blocks – the faces of twelve of the Shriner clowns. While working on the quilt, Grace discovered that one of her neighbors is a Shrine Clown.
Marcus “Grumpy” Smith has been giving his time and talent to cheer up hospitalized children for almost 50 years, and Grace thought that was well worth a tribute of his own. So she designed and created a fabric portrait   featuring Grumpy’s clown face  rendered in embroidery.  This was presented to Marcus at a recent Senior Citizen Luncheon.
Grace has been designing and creating hand made fabric items all her life. When she was young, sewing for the family was a necessity. Grace’s mother taught her how, and Grace became the principal seamstress in the family. “I would much rather sew than work in the kitchen,” she said.
Through the years, Grace has made at least 50 quilts which have been given to friends and relatives across the country. Her quilts are unique, being entirely hand sewn, and often featuring three dimensional designs, with buttons and ruffles added. She is also proficient in embroidery, crocheting, and knitting, and often donates her handiwork to non-profit projects.
Born in Upstate New York, Grace lived in Florida and Houston before moving to Port O’Connor in 2000. She was craft and fabric department manager for Montgomery Ward for over 20 years, and then managed a small craft and fabric store in Houston. Being retired hasn’t slowed Grace down. She often accompanies her daughter Susie to community functions, and when she’s at home, you’ll find her busy with needle and thread, creating another beautiful hand made item. “I love it,” says Grace. “It keeps me going.”